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Best Commercial Truck Loans of March 2023

Commercial truck loans allow businesses to purchase semi-trucks or other vehicles for business purposes. These loans are designed to help businesses purchase the vehicles they need to operate. The loan amount and terms will depend on various factors, including the type of vehicle, the borrower's creditworthiness, and the lender's requirements.

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Best Truck Financing Lenders

Semi-Truck Financing: How Does it Work?

In most cases, semi-truck financing will require a down payment. The amount required can vary, but it’s typically a percentage of the purchase price. To secure the loan, the borrower may also need to provide collateral, such as the semi-truck itself or other assets. The loan term can range from a few years to several years, with monthly payments due throughout the term. The interest rate on a loan will also vary based on the borrower’s creditworthiness and other factors.

A lender typically charges an annual interest rate based on a borrower’s creditworthiness. The rate ranges between 5% and 30%. The best rates will be obtained by individuals with good credit histories and companies with a long history, closer to 5%-6%.

Semi-Truck Financing Requirements

The requirements for semi-truck financing can vary depending on the lender and the borrower’s situation. But here are some common requirements for obtaining semi-truck financing:

  1. Credit score: Lenders typically require a minimum credit score for borrowers to be eligible for financing. This score can vary depending on the lender, but a higher credit score will generally result in better financing terms.
  2. Down payment: Borrowers typically need to provide a down payment when financing a semi-truck. The amount required can vary, but it’s typically a percentage of the purchase price.
  3. Income and financial statements: Lenders will want to evaluate the borrower’s income and financial statements to determine their ability to repay the loan.
  4. Business financials: The lender may require documentation such as business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and other financial information.
  5. Age and mileage of the commercial truck: Some lenders may have restrictions on the age and mileage of the commercial truck being financed.
  6. Collateral: The semi-truck being financed will typically serve as collateral for the loan.

The Different Types of Commercial Trucks for Your Business Needs

Commercial trucks are vehicles used for business purposes like moving goods or services. They range from small delivery vans to large tractor-trailers. Examples of common types include:

  • Box trucks: are medium-sized trucks with enclosed cargo areas for moving furniture, appliances, and other large items.
  • Dump trucks: have an open bed that tilts to dump its load, commonly used for construction and hauling materials.
  • Semi-trucks: large trucks used for long-haul transportation of goods over long distances.
  • Flatbed trucks: have an open bed, commonly used to transport oversized or heavy cargo, such as construction equipment or machinery.
  • Tanker trucks: designed to transport liquids like fuel or chemicals, with a large tank on the back.

How to Choose the Right Loan Term for semi truck loans?

If you want to buy a new semi-truck, you will need to consider the loan term. There are three different options:

  • Short-Term Loans: These loans are typically for 2-4 years. They are often used when a borrower has a good credit score and is looking to purchase or lease a new truck. These loans typically have lower interest rates than long-term loans and can be paid off over an extended period.
  • Average Term Loans: The average term that most truckers go with is between 3-5 years. This is a good option if you don’t have any urgent deadlines for paying off your loan.
  • Long-Term Loans: These loans last anywhere from 5-10 years, and they can be helpful if you want to pay less in monthly payments, but they come with higher interest rates and more fees.

The right loan term depends on your goals and the urgency of those goals, so it is important to think about what is best for your situation before deciding on one of these options.

How to Get Approved For a Commercial Truck Loan with Bad Credit?

Getting approved for a commercial truck loan with bad credit can be challenging, but there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of approval:

  • Improve your credit score as much as possible before applying.
  • Consider a co-signer or a business partner with good credit to help secure the loan.
  • Be prepared to provide detailed financial documentation, including income statements, bank statements, and tax returns.
  • Look for lenders that specialize in financing borrowers with bad credit.
  • Consider a higher down payment or providing additional collateral to help reduce the lender’s risk.
  • Be honest and upfront with the lender about your credit situation and any steps you are taking to improve it.

Consider working with a reputable lender who can help and guide you through the application process.

Can I Get a Loan For a Used Commercial Truck?

Yes, you can get a loan for a used commercial truck. Many lenders offer financing options for used trucks, and the application and approval process is similar to that of a new truck loan. However, used truck interest rates and terms may vary depending on age, mileage, and condition.

It’s important to shop around for the right loan options and to carefully consider the costs and risks before applying for a second-hand commercial truck loan.

Leasing vs. Purchasing a Commercial Vehicle

Leasing Purchasing
Lower upfront costs: Leasing typically requires a smaller down payment and lower monthly payments than purchasing. Ownership: Purchasing a vehicle gives you full ownership and control over the asset.
Maintenance and repair included: Many lease agreements include maintenance and repair costs, which can save you money in the long run. Customization: You can customize the vehicle to fit your business needs by adding graphics or modifications.
Tax benefits: Lease payments may be tax-deductible as a business expense. Equity: As you make payments on a purchased vehicle, you build equity that can be used as collateral for future financing needs.
Option to upgrade: At the end of the lease term, you can return the vehicle and upgrade to a newer model. Resale value: When you own the vehicle, you have the option to sell it and potentially recoup some of your investment.
Flexibility: Leasing allows for more flexibility in terms of switching vehicles and adjusting fleet sizes as needed. The total cost of ownership: Over the long term, purchasing a vehicle may be less expensive than leasing due to avoiding the cost of multiple lease payments.
Average monthly payment: $900-$1200 Average monthly payment: $1,500-$2,500